Eckersall Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Eckersall Park is a beautiful public park located in Hammond, Indiana.


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Summary

There are several reasons to visit this park, including its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer, and offers visitors the chance to hike, bike, and picnic in a peaceful, natural setting.

One of the main points of interest in Eckersall Park is the famous "cannonball" tree, which was struck by a cannonball during the Civil War. The tree is still standing today and has become a symbol of the park's rich history. Other interesting features of the park include a playground, basketball courts, and a fishing pond.

Visitors to Eckersall Park can also learn about the history of the area through its many historical markers and interpretive signs. The park was once a bustling industrial center, and its history is closely tied to the growth and development of the surrounding region.

The best time of year to visit Eckersall Park is during the warmer months, when the weather is mild and the trees and flowers are in bloom. The park is also a popular destination for fall foliage viewing, with the changing leaves creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities.

Overall, Eckersall Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the state of Indiana. With its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and fascinating history, it is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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